On Thursday, Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN) unveiled full trims and pricing for its new R2 mid-size electric SUV, marking a push to bring the company’s design, technology, and performance to a broader audience.
Analyst Upgrade Signals Rising Confidence
The launch comes as analysts grow increasingly optimistic about the model’s potential. Earlier this week, TD Cowen analyst Itay Michaeli upgraded Rivian to Buy from Hold and raised his price forecast to $20 from $17, citing strong projected demand for the upcoming vehicle.
According to Michaeli’s analysis, full-scale U.S. demand for the R2 could reach 212,000 to 335,000 units, significantly above prior consensus estimates. The analyst also noted that Rivian’s roughly 20% year-to-date share decline has improved the stock’s risk-reward profile ahead of the R2 rollout.
R2 Launch Timeline and Pricing Details
“The soul of a Rivian, sized for every adventure,” the company said while introducing the model. Deliveries will begin in spring 2026 with the R2 Performance Launch Package, priced from $57,990, followed by Premium variants in late 2026 and Standard configurations in 2027.
Built on a new mid-size platform, the R2 is designed to deliver Rivian’s signature capability at a lower price point. The SUV will offer up to 656 horsepower, acceleration from 0–60 mph in as quick as 3.6 seconds, and an estimated driving range of up to 345 miles.
“R2 embodies so many of our learnings that we have accumulated—the passion and attention to detail from our team is visible everywhere,” said RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian. “Thank you to all the teams across Rivian who poured their energy into bringing this incredible vehicle to life. I couldn’t be more excited.”
Multiple Trims Target Broader Market
The lineup will include three main trims with varying performance and price points.
The Performance version features a dual-motor AWD setup producing 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles. The model includes semi-active suspension, premium interior materials, adaptive lighting, and Rivian’s advanced drive modes.
The Premium trim, priced from $53,990, offers 450 horsepower, a 0–60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, and an estimated 330-mile range, while retaining many comfort and technology features.
The Standard trim will arrive in 2027, starting at $48,490. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration delivers 350 horsepower, a 0–60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, and an estimated range of up to 345 miles. Rivian also plans a lower-cost Standard variant starting around $45,000 with more than 275 miles of range.
Technology, Charging, and Design Updates
The R2 includes a native NACS charge port, enabling access to Tesla’s Supercharger network along with other charging systems through adapters.
The vehicle introduces Rivian’s latest software-defined architecture, featuring 11 HDR cameras, a five-radar perception system, and an AI-enabled computing platform designed to support evolving driver assistance features.
Rivian’s Autonomy+ system, available via subscription or a one-time payment, will enable hands-free assisted driving across roughly 3.5 million miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada.
Launch Timeline
Reservations for the R2 are open with a $100 refundable deposit. The vehicle will debut publicly at SXSW 2026 from March 13–18 at the Rivian Roadhouse.
The online configurator will launch in the coming months, according to the company.
RIVN Price Action: Rivian Automotive shares were down 6.37% at $16.68 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Photo by Michael Vi via Shutterstock
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